Our government does some things that don't make sense!
I lived in the Far East for 6 years. I would set on the front steps and watch the choppers go out over the South China Sea and paratroopers would jump out with cast on their arms or legs.
I'd see some of the guys at the gym and ask them why? If they wanted jump pay, they had to jump! Cast or no cast. They would go to the hospital pick them up, they'd jump, they'd pick them out of the sea and take them back to the hospital and reset the cast.
It was a wild time for me. Went to the gym every day for several hours. Became friends with many guys a few years older then me, and they were trained for war. They called each other names. Anchor Clanker, Jar Head, Wing Nut, Belching Buzzard.... and others.
I learned a special appreciation for all that was going on around me. B52's taking off every 6 minutes. So much noise you couldn't get a good nights sleep for a few days.
Airforce had to build berms around the air base to deflect the noise up, to was so loud.
After HS, I went to get a physical to apply to a military school. I flunked. Had a lumbar sacro spine. Not to participate in any contact sport. Be cautious of all activities. This was a conference with seven doctors at a military hospital. Couldn't join the service, 4F.
All the men and women who have defended our country have qualities others do not. I have learned they are special people. They do most all the daily thing others do, but they have something more. It's hidden inside.
I try to show a heart felt thanks to these guys.
I think the US govt. should have in their war budget for the mental and physical well being of all that serve, and if the funds are not there don't declare war!
Thanks to all service personal.
If you want to get a taste of what it may have been like in Vietnam, just read some of the terms used.
http://www.vietvet.org/glossary.htm
